Lend us an eel!
UINR is doing research on eels in the Bras d’Or Lakes and we are looking for 15 eels from fishers in each First Nations community. If you are spearing eels this winter and would like to help us with our research, give Shelley Denny a call at 379 2024 ext. 229 or toll free at...
This squirt is NOT welcome!
The Golden Star Tunicate…sounds harmless enough but this is an invasive species that has been found in the Bras d’Or Lakes on eel grass, shellfish and just about anywhere it can attach itself, smothering its host. An aquatic invasive species is an organism that has extended its traditional range either naturally, or brought to new...
Hubert Nicholas
Meet UINR’s new Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator. Hubert has experience as a commercial fisherman, captain, teacher, and consultation liaison officer with Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn. From Pictou Landing First Nation, Hubert studied at Saint Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia Teachers College, and Dalhousie University. He holds degrees in Business Administration and Education. Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources...
Fisheries Officers
Here are two guys that you can’t miss seeing walking around the Coast Guard College in Point Edward! Phillip Prosper, 33 and Tim Cremo, 32 are the first Unama’ki Mi’kmaq Natural Resources Officers to be accepted in a new pilot program, a collaboration between UINR and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The new...
Oysters hit again
Still reeling from the MSX virus in Bras d’Or Lakes oysters, the species has received another blow with the discovery of Malpeque disease in the waters of St. Ann’s Harbour and Orangedale. There are no human health concerns related to Malepeque but, since 1915 when the first symptoms were recorded, there have been significant losses...
Fishery officer pilot program
A new pilot program, a collaboration between UINR and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), has been put in place to train two Mi’kmaq DFO officers, who, upon completion of their training, will be assigned to the Unama’ki region to work with UINR on issues of concern to our Mi’kmaq communities. Training is anticipated...
Unama’kik Jakejue’ka’timk
UINR has just published Unama’ki Jakejue’ka’timk: Food, Social, and Ceremonial Lobster Fishery Management Plan for Unama’ki. This plan was developed for the food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) lobster fishery through consultation with lobster fishers, elders, members of the Grand Council, and other knowledgeable community members to address concerns with current conservation provisions set out in...
Gaspereau plan
Eskasoni currently has one commercial license for harvesting gaspereau (Alosa pseudoharengus) in the Bras d’Or Lakes. Gaspereau are harvested for bait for other fisheries, and commonly sold fresh but can be salted and sold for other markets. It has become an important source of income for some people in Eskasoni. Over the past four years,...
Appointment
Shelley Denny was recently appointed to the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Since 1993 , the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council has been a partnership between scientific and academic expertise, and all sectors of the fishing industry. Together, Council members make public recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans...
Lobster: food, social & ceremonial
As a result of the difficulties experienced during the 2006 lobster food fishery, the Unama’ki Chiefs have agreed that a lobster food fishery management plan is required. While Mi’kmaq follow similar regulations as the rest of the industry (with the exception of season), the industry fails to realize this. A documented management plan for the...
Atlantic saury visit
The Atlantic suary (Scomberesox sarus), was found washed on shore and caught by fishers in East Bay. Sauries are also known as skippers because they skip along the surface of the water when escaping from their predators. Other common names include needlefish or billfish because of its distinct sharp beak. The saury is a schooling...
Native rights balanced by science
by Shelley Denny The “peaceful” protest this fall in St. Peter’s between commercial lobster fishers from St. Peter’s and surrounding area and Chapel Island food fishers has been disheartening and infuriating. After 20 years of Treaty Day celebrations, it seems that our closest neighbors don’t accept Mi’kmaq food fishing rights. The irony in the situation...